On the Passing of Imam Warith Deen Mohammed

Our beloved, Imam Warith Deen Mohammed affectionately known as “Brother Imam” passed away Tuesday morning, on the 9th day of Ramadhan in the year of 1429 Hijra. He was at the forefront of many efforts including the establishment of the Islamic Chaplaincy within the Department of Defense and religious accommodations for Muslims in the US Armed Forces.

The Muslim Military Members (MMM) arranged a visit on February 5, 1992 for him to tour the Pentagon and address Defense officials, Chaplains, and other Military personnel. This was but one of countless events that Brother Imam participated in respect to Muslims in the US Armed Forces.

Whether a Muslim Military Member or the leadership of the American Muslim Armed Forces and Veteran Affairs Council, his office door was always open. Brother Imam leaves behind a quiet legacy of gigantic proportions in the footsteps of greats like Thomas Jefferson, Dr. Martin Luther King, and Pope John Paul II.

As a mark of respect for the Imam we are asking President Bush to order that the flag of the United States shall be flown at half staff at the White House and on all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the Federal Government in the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and its Territories and possessions until sunset on Friday, September 12, 2008.

President Bush ordered similar recognition to honor Pope John Paul II on April 2, 2005.